The new 2016 Hyundai Elantra has made its North American debut today, following an unveiling as the Korean-market Avante in September.

Today’s premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show represents our first look at Hyundai’s new small sedan in Elantra form, and an Australian market launch is scheduled for the first quarter of 2016.

The American market’s Elantrais largely identical to the Avante already shown, with only minor styling and regulatory differences - the latter best represented by the amber indicator lenses up front.

Minor cosmetic differences can also be seen in the vertical jewel LED lighting at the front, along with a different look to the grille’s chrome louvre trim.

The two models are otherwise identical, with both wearing the latest evolution of Hyundai’s trapezoidal grille, slender new headlights, a tapered coupe-like roofline and long LED-framed tail lamps.

Evolution is the key word here, with the new Elantra’s styling building on the looks and shape of the current model.

But, despite those similarities, the 2016 Elantra is 20mm longer and 25mm wider than the car it will replace next year, while the wheelbase remains unchanged at 2700mm.

As before, Australian specifications for the new Elantra are still to be confirmed, but buyers in the US will have the choice of a 110kW/180Nm 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle multi port-injected petrol engine, along with an ‘Eco’ model that is powered by a turbocharged 95kW/211Nm 1.4-litre GDI petrol engine.

Depending on the engine and model grade, the new Elantra/Avante will be offered in Korea and the US with six-speed manual, six-speed automatic and seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions.

In the US, the 2016 Elantra’s features will include iPhone/USB/Aux connectivity, along with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility, 7.0- or 8.0-inch touch displays, rear camera, satellite navigation and an Infinity eight-speaker audio package.

Watch for Australian details on the new Elantra to come in the months ahead.